Dental Assistant Salary in Hopkinsville, KY: $46,815 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Hopkinsville, KY earns a median $46,815/year (≈ $22.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Hopkinsville's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $52,424 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hopkinsville, Kentucky, dental assistants can expect a median annual salary of $46,815 in 2026, with a salary range extending from $35,880 at the 10th percentile to $60,321 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect data sourced from 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for local economic conditions. As the demand for dental professionals grows, especially in specialized fields such as oral surgery and orthodontics, those in Hopkinsville may find opportunities for higher earnings, often influenced by their skill level and specialty focus. This local market presents competitive compensation but remains slightly below the national median of $49,579, which suggests unique considerations for dental assistants in this region.
About the Hopkinsville Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,880 | $17.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,456 | $20.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,815 | $22.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,229 | $26.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,321 | $29.00 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hopkinsville
In Hopkinsville, KY, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,441 (2026 est.). At $46,815, the local median is 5.57% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hopkinsville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hopkinsville Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Hopkinsville median: $46,815/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hopkinsville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $48,065 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -5.57% less |
Dental Assistants in Hopkinsville, KY earn a median of $46,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.60% below the Kentucky state average of $48,065.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hopkinsville has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hopkinsville, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $46,815 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,424 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,845
2025 BLS Actual
$45,390
2026 Current Est.
$46,815
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Hopkinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,845 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,884 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,505 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,321 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,945 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,067 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,815 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,285 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hopkinsville metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $37,845 (2019) to $45,390 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,285 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,440 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hopkinsville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $35,880 – $42,456 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,456 – $46,815 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,815 – $55,229 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,229 – $60,321 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Hopkinsville
Analyzing the job market in Hopkinsville reveals that only six dental assistants are currently employed, indicating a relatively small workforce that may limit competition for positions. With a cost of living index at 89.3, DAs in the area experience an improved purchasing power compared to the national average, enabling a more comfortable lifestyle despite slightly lower salaries. General dental practices, especially those associated with DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, tend to offer the most competitive pay, particularly for those who hold expanded function credentials. Specialized roles, such as those in orthodontic or oral surgery practices, typically command higher salaries due to the advanced skills required. To maximize earnings, aspiring dental assistants should consider pursuing EFDA certifications, seeking roles that offer hybrid positions (like treatment coordinators), or exploring opportunities for mentorship within their practices, which can lead to additional stipends and career growth.
More salary data for Hopkinsville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $45,390 for dental assistantsin the Hopkinsville metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hopkinsville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov